The State Government has added two iconic Queensland events – the Gympie Music Muster and Woodford Folk Festival – to its major events calendar.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Jann Stuckey made the announcement today, noting that major events status was deserving recognition for the two enduringly popular events supported by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ).

“The State Government, through TEQ, recognises these events play an important role in driving economic and social benefits to their regions, helping to attract visitors and showcase the State,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Since its inception in 1982, the Music Muster has grown into a significant event for the Gympie region and is now a four-day celebration of country music held in August.

“The event attracts visitors from overseas and across Australia with top international and Australian musicians, artists and entertainers.”

The Woodford Folk Festival, northwest of Brisbane, has been attracting international and domestic visitors to Queensland since 1987.

“The festival has grown to become one of Australia’s largest outdoor cultural events and is held between Christmas and New Year’s Day each year,” Ms Stuckey said.

“We recognise its unique appeal and its importance in attracting visitors to the region and we are proud to support it.

“Both the muster and the festival are now part of Queensland’s impressive major events calendar and will continue to provide a great boost to the Queensland tourism industry.”

Gympie Music Muster Chairman Glenn Smith said the Muster works to celebrate the true spirit of Country Australia and the strength and resilience of regional communities.

“As a not-for-profit event, not only has the Muster continued to deliver a world-class event for 31 years but it contributes to the community in a variety of ways. That is what makes the Muster so special,” Mr Smith said.

“This support from the State Government is an incredible opportunity for the Muster to continue to grow its loyal audience not only domestically but also abroad, to assist driving visitation to the Sunshine Coast region,” Mr Smith said.

Woodford Folk Festival General Manager Amanda Jackes said: “This wonderful demonstration of commitment from our State Government is the breath of wind we needed to continue the course we’ve been charting with our patrons and organising group.

“As Australia’s largest gathering of artists and musicians, we are looking forward to honouring this support by continuing to grow a truly international event for Queensland in a sustainable manner.”

TEQ will support and promote these events to help them grow and continue attracting visitors to Queensland, Ms Stuckey said.

TEQ has developed an engaging and diverse events calendar for Queensland, supporting more than 40 major events across the State in 2013.

The Queensland Government understands that tourism and events are intrinsically linked and supporting major events such as these forms part of the Government’s goal to double annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.